Dr. James F. Shank

Dr. James F. Shank, 96, a resident of Luther Acres, diedMonday, October 31, 2011. He was affectionately called “Doc Yankum” by his many friends in “uptown” Lititz where he was a frequent customer of the original ”Benners” and Spill the Beans Coffee Shop.

He was married 42 years to Helen Furniss Shock Shank. Born in Quarryville, he was the son of the late Harry F. and M. Irene Sheetz Shank. He came from a family of artists and sang bass in the family quartet. They sang acappella in many churches and other functions.

He attended a one room school and later graduated from Quarryville high school with honors. He was a graduate of MillersvilleStateTeachers Collegewith a B.S .in education and was inducted into Phi Sigma Pi, the national honorary fraternity. He also attended Franklinand MarshallCollegeas a pre-med student. He was employed at the Philadelphia Terminal in the post office until he was drafted in 1941 and served five years in the Army,19 months of which he spent in the European war zone with the 79th Infantry Division after landing on Utah beach. He earned the rank of Captain. He was awarded 4 battle stars, the bronze star and other citations. He served with the 4th Armored Division and the 79th Infantry Division and then the 16th Armored Division.

He was discharged in 1946 as a Captain and returned to work in thePhiladelphiapost office. In1950 he was accepted as a freshman inTempleDentalSchoolat the age of 35. After graduation in 1954 he began his practice in Lititz, where he practiced until retiring in 1986.

Dr. Shank was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. An avid golfer, he was a member of the Meadia Heights Golf Club where won the senior golf tournament in 1997 at age 82. He enjoyed gardening and watercolor and oil painting. His other memberships included the Retired Officers Association, American Legion, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, the Slumbering Goundhog Lodge, a former member of the Lititz Lions Club, a 32nd degree Mason, and the Lititz Art Association. He had been active with the local Boy Scouts as chairman for five years.

Surviving besides his wife are a daughter, Carol, wife of Dr. Dennis Gibboney of Greensburg, PA; a son, David F., husband of Susan Shank of Waldorf, MD; two stepsons, Kenneth R., husband of Eileen Shock of Kona, Hawaii and Dr. John R., husband of Marie Shock of Princeton Junction, NJ; a sister, Thelma, wife of Dr. Mark Weaver of Lancaster; three grandchildren, Sgt. James D. Shank of Fort Riley, KS, Kerry Shank of Dyersburg, TN and Lisa, wife of Dr. John Jancarik of Allison Park, PA; five step-grandchildren, Scott husband of Jean Shock, Andy Shock, Emily wife of Chad Babcock, Patrick Shock, and Kevin Shock; a great granddaughter Dana Jancarik. He was preceded in death by brothers Ralph Edward Shank killed in World War II and Eugene David Shank, and by a sister Marian I. Shank.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church, 140 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA with the Rev. Dr. Randolph T. Riggs officiating. Friends may greet the family following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Shank’s memory may be made to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 140 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602.

Dave, my heart goes out to you, Sue and the family. Life is about moments, and your Dad left you with many wonderful memories – I know this to be true, as you have shared some of those moments/memories with me. I feel as if I knew your Dad through your stories, I do know the man he reared and guided in life to be a wonderful man and friend – to Dr. James F. Shank, job well done! May you find peace and comfort in those memories.
Love you,
Crystal

To the family of Dr. James Shank, I will always remember with great respect Dr. Shank. I worked for him for a few years when I finished school. He taught me how to assist him with the patients. I learned many office and dental tasks from a very patient man. He was not only my dentist,boss, but a very good friend. Blessings to all his loved ones. My sincere condolences. Sue Risser Stauffer

Carol and Dave – Thanks for sharing your Dad with my family for so many years. Jim was the greatest step-Grandpa to my children, Patrick and Kevin and the best step-father-in-law on the planet. He always had a warm and welcoming hug and kiss for me and a great big smile. His enthusiasm, zest for life and good humor will be missed every day. The 35 or more years I knew him were a blessing.